Marijuana legalization

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LET MY PEOPLE GROW

[ EPISODE – 3 ]

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Tonight on, “Let My People Grow”

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: SPECIAL GUEST :
—> Jared Stratton <—

Co-founder of the “Get Baked Sale” edible market events.

Jared Stratton and Morgan Kelley balked at the crackdown, saying they had Health Department approval for the June event. And they note that similar events have gone on elsewhere in the state without any such rules. They now say they’ll be looking to host the event somewhere outside the SF city limits.

This last weekend, on Saturday July 11th, the “California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016″ launched its campaign at the Chalice event in southern California and hosted a Free Concert and Rally at the Martin Luther king Jr. Civic center park in Berkeley. I was not able to attend the Chalice Event so I do not have much to share in those regards for now. Listen and check out more info about the Chalice event on the next episode of Let My People Grow on Wednesday night from 9pm to 11pm. You can also hear more about the Chalice event on Thursday night from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on the CCHI 2016 Radio Show.

However, I was able to attend the free concert and rally in Berkeley. Michael Rivera, his lovely girlfriend, Diane Valdavinos and myself all carpooled up to the event for the day. Let me start by saying that MLK park is a lovely park with the most beautiful surrounding architecture that backdrops almost every photo you take. Ron Wesley of ALotOfFun Productions did a wonderful job securing a beautiful location, stage, the most amazing talent, and security for the event. the stage was perfectly placed for the flow of people constantly coming over from the farmers market taking place on the next street over. They could hear the wonderful music being played as they shopped for their organic fruits and veggies and would instantly migrate towards the vendors, booths and stage. Special shout out and thank you to Ron L. Wesley for making that special and awesome day possible.

It really was a great day in the park. Thousands of people strolled through the park enjoying the music, food and vendors. all while stopping by the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016’s booth. Some sat back in the shady round and enjoyed the show from a cool and windy distance. Many parents had their children playing in the park enjoying the music while they played on the playground. Not everyone was consuming cannabis but a lot of people were. The most shocking thing to me was there was no upturned noses from parents or people getting snooty about people consuming cannabis in the park. You also did not see a single cop harassing anyone.

The day started with the smooth groovy sounds of SopWith Camel floating through the airwaves of MLK park. minus the Bassist. Sadly his mom is not doing very well and we all wish him and his mom the very best. There almost hypnotic grooves filled the park with smiling faces and attracted the on goers of the farmers market over towards the vendors, booths, and stage. Though they were missing a band mate they truly played an awesome show for the city of Berkeley that day. Thank you guys!

After Sopwith Camel finished their amazing performance. The Island of black and white came on stage and just blew everyone away with their uniquely amazing sound and style. At one point in the performance the sound board operator was having a few technical difficulties and they continued to play acoustically. At one point in the performance the lead singer hopped on his uni-cycle and played his accordion while riding around in the front of the stage. he played for a minute or two while the band seamlessly picked up with the tune he was playing. He then returned to the stage and continued the performance. these are some really talented performers and musicians who donated their time and money to this great cause.

After the face melting performance and awesome cover of “House of the rising sun” by the Island of black and white we got to hear from one of our first speakers of the day, Pat Malo from Santa Cruz.

Then The band at Hand stepped on stage and played some classic covers of some classic hits from the sixties and seventies for a bit and kept everyone grooving and smiling until the Bluesetta Band came on stage and tickled the keys and played some jazzy tunes for everyone in the park. Ima Jean Hemp even made a guest duet appearance on stage with the Bluesetta band. Rocking and wailing like there was no tomorrow. I really enjoy this band. They are all such nice lovely people and talented musicians to boot.

After the Bluesetta band was done wrapping up there jazzy set we got to hear from one of my personal favorite cannabis activists and freedom fighters. Chris Conrad, author, an expert witness on cannabis and owner and operator of the West coast leaf. Now its all digital and goes by theleafonline.com. He showed up to the event to express his pride and gratitude to the people who have kept the CCHI Initiative alive all these years. This is language that was written and crafted by Jack Herer and Chris Conrad and many others many years ago. These men, and women did all the studies and researched into the real causes and people behind prohibition. They also did heavy research into the positive effects of legalizing cannabis hemp 100%. How it could in fact help save the planet, stop deforestation, replace petroleum, and help reverse the green house effects. Chris knows that the CCHI 2016 is the best language and initiative for the people of California in 2016. That is why he spent so much time in the past fighting and crafting this language in the first place. I could go on and on talking about how much I respect Chris Conrad, his awesome wife Mikki Norris, and everything he said that day. But I will just let him tell you in his own words.

Now if that didn’t get you fired up to get off the couch and take to the streets collecting signatures, and stumping for the people’s initiative, the “CCHI2016″ I’m afraid there is not much anyone can do to motivate your lazy ass. What did he call it again? Oh yeah! ” This is the best, the best, the best initiative for the people of California and its up to us to secure it on the 2016 ballot, and its the one I want everyone busting their butt for this upcoming election cycle!”

Just after Chris Conrad got the entire park and city of Berkeley ready to march across the United States and demand the end of Prohibition we were all greeted with the intergalactic funky sounds of Gigantis. This lady, and gentlemen’s where rocking and funking the hell out of MLK park during the hottest time of the day and it never even phased there intergalactic jam session. These Guys and Lady were awesome. She even game me a free Shirt! One of my new favorite bands.

After the intergalactic funky grooves had finally resided. Dan Herer made his way to the stage and spoke softly, calmly and very intelligently about the importance of ending cannabis prohibition and why he believes the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016 is that solution. Unlike his father he is quite and humble, But just like his dad he gets directly to the point and is very motivational. He is a very nice man and a very hard-working person that I respect dearly.

Once Dan Herer wrapped up his speech Clear Conscience took to the stage and blessed everyone with their reggae/rock/hip-hop sound. These guys didn’t hold back anything. They came on fast and jammed out with their rocking island vibes vibrating throughout the park. These guys did an amazing job and were quite possibly one of my favorite bands of the event. I really like the flow and sound of their music. They all really meld and mesh together quite nicely producing their very own unique sound and vibe.

Once Clear Conscience wrapped up their performance we got to hear from another O.G. cannabis activist. State Coordinator of the CCHI2016, and a dear friend and trusted associate of Jack Herer’s, Buddy Duzy. Buddy took to the stage to tell everyone that the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016 is not just a pot initiative. It is a states rights initiative. This allows us to Legalize, the way we want to! These allows us to regulate, the way we want to! The government has no business, or legal right telling the sovereign people and the sovereign state of California what laws or guidelines we must abide by in regards to cannabis hemp prohibition.

Must be getting early? Are all the clocks running late? Because I’m hearing a grooving sound that is similar to the Grateful Dead, but it kinda sounds Hardly Deadly! Hardly Deadly closed out the night with some of the greatest classic Grateful Dead songs the world has ever known. They got everyone that remained in the park to come up to the stage, dance and be merry while they closed out the evening and event with their own unique and awesome dead head sound. You can tell these guys genuinely enjoy music and just jamming out till you can’t jam out no more! These guys were a great finishing act for an amazing evening in the park in Berkeley Ca.

I just want to thank everyone that came out to the Event last weekend. The vendors, the food, the sound guy, security, the amazing bands and speakers, and the Promoter for making this day possible. It was a very memorable day and a very successful official launch of the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016’s campaign. We are all looking forward to having many more of these types of events as the campaign continues. I know me and Diane are working hard on trying to lock down a venue to hold a CCHI 2016 Free concert and rally here in fresno or the central valley. So if you can help us with securing a location for an upcoming free concert and rally for the CCHI 2016 here in fresno please contact us at cchi2016fresno@gmail.com or at fresgrounified@gmail.com.

Before I go, I wanted to share some photos of dear friends, dedicated activists, and all the amazing vendors and booths that helped make that day possible. You guys rocked! Thanks again!

On Wednesday, June, 3rd, California State University Fresno hosted Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and his Blue Ribbon Commission on marijuana policy. It was a big day for a lot of Central Valley cannabis activists and almost everyone seeking sensible regulation in regards to Cannabis Hemp. Quite a bit of the Central Valleys hardest pavement pounders for legalization where in Attendance. Diane Valdavinos, Jeffery Faure, Dawn Marie Jobe, Jeff Clark, Brenda Linder, and Derek Payton. At least we all thought it was going to be. We all had to endure quite a bit of Reefer Madness at the Blue Ribbon Commission On Marijuana Policy. It started with Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom beautifully pandering to all the various different groups, organizations, and different Initiatives in the room. He really did a great job speaking to the crowd in attendance. Which is also why he has had such a successful political career.

After Gavin Newsom was done giving his introduction to the audience he then began to introduce the rest of the panelists. You can find the entire list of panelists below.

Speaker and Working Group Commissioner Bios

Gavin Newsom is the Chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy. He was elected as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of the State of California on November 2, 2010. His top priorities are economic development and job creation, improving access to higher education, and bolstering California’ environmental leadership. Newsom came from a successful background in both the private sector, starting 15 small businesses and creating more than 1,000 jobs, and local government, having served as a Supervisor, and later, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco.

Elizabeth Cox is a Research Specialist at UC San Francisco’s Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, where her focus is on state and local tobacco control policymaking. Ms. Cox recently authored a comprehensive report on tobacco control efforts and tobacco industry tactics in California.

Rick Crane is a Strategic Programs Coordinator for UFCW 8-Golden State. Based in Bakersfield, he has been in the retail business for 46 years and a contract negotiator for UFCW for over 20 years. The UFCW represents 160,000 private sector workers in retail food, agriculture, retail drug, non-food retail, cannabis and healthcare industries in California.

Joe Garzais the Chief of Police for the City of Reedley. He has 25 years of experience as a law enforcement professional beginning his career as a patrol officer for the City of Reedley and rising to the position of Chief of Police in 2012. He serves as a board member of the California Police Chiefs Association and in a number of regional law enforcement and civic groups in the Central Valley.

Mihae Jung is Prevention Education Manager at KYCC, an organization that provides comprehensive community services in the Koreatown, Westlake and Pico-Union neighborhoods of Los Angeles. In addition to policy work on alcohol outlets, she has worked directly with youth through organizing, restorative justice, and treatment. She is part of the Los Angeles Rethinking Access to Marijuana collaborative.

David Lampachis the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Steep Hill, a leading cannabis science and technology firm. He is a leader in the technological and business advancements of the cannabis analytics and testing market. He has also advised a number of jurisdictions on local and state regulation of marijuana, including in California, Washington and New Mexico.

Rob MacCoun is a Professor at Stanford Law School. He is a social psychologist and public policy analyst who has published numerous studies on illicit drug use and drug policy, including a major recent study for RAND Corporation. He is a preeminent scholar working at the border of law and psychology.

Pat Oglesby is a tax lawyer, and former Chief Tax Counsel, U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the former International Tax Counsel, Joint Congressional Committee on Taxation. He has also at the law and business schools at the University of University of North Carolina. Pat serves as the co-chair of the Regulatory and Tax Structure Working Group of the Blue Ribbon Commission.

Ben Rice is a criminal defense and medical cannabis attorney. He has represented cultivators, dispensaries and doctors involved in medical marijuana, as well as advised policymakers. Ben serves as a member of the Regulatory and Tax Structure Working Group of the Blue Ribbon Commission.

Abdi Soltani is a member of the Steering Committee of the Blue Ribbon Commission, with Lt. Governor Newsom and Stanford professor Keith Humphreys. He serves as the Executive Director of the ACLU of Northern California. Abdi worked previously as a community organizer on issues of educational opportunity and civil rights.

Steve Worthley is the Chairman of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, and represents the northern portion of the county. He is active on the California State Association of Counties and the Rural County Representatives of California. In his private practice as an attorney, he previously represented the forest products industry, including in relation to public lands.

Here You can view the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy at California State University Fresno in its entirety.

Well if you went to this panel and discussion expecting to hear sensible regulations and cannabis policy reform you were probably sadly disappointed. The very first guest speaker on the panel Mihae Jung started out the conversation with dropping the “Oh the Children” fear tactic without referring to any specific data or polls supporting her claims. Her argument pretty much boiled down to we have to over tax, and over regulate in order to keep prices high to protect the children, because low costs equal greater access for children. She worries that all collectives, clubs and dispensaries will end up in the migrant and low-income areas and the dispensary owners will offer up 3x to 4x the going rate and will make it very attractive to low-income property owners to permit the dispensaries in these low-income communities.

She claims it will put a huge strain on the local police, Schools and families in those areas and already has in some areas. In which all cases mentioned it has not and will not. It actually lowers crime in the surrounding areas due to increased security and video surveillance. I also hate to break it to you but most collective owners move into the lower-income parts of the cities or counties because they know the city most likely doesn’t care and won’t come into that area if hardy ever. They also find tenant hungry property owners looking for anyone to fill their vacant properties in these lower-income areas. They do stimulate and boost local economies in those impoverished areas. They also employ people.

Not to mention most local governments view them as a nuisances and only permit them in those specific areas. If they permit them at all. You know? The forgotten parts of town that the city has long forgotten. Nor do they even pretend to care about the people who inhabit those areas. That speaks to the fact that most cities and counties can care less about safe access for qualified and valid medicinal cannabis patients any more than they do about the homeless and impoverished, the hungry and struggling working class families. Especially the ones on a low or fixed income who need the most assistance in obtaining quality organic medicinal cannabis versus the alternative Over-prescribed toxic pharmaceutical industry that does kill our children every day.

They love to permit the Clubs and dispensaries in those forgotten and underfunded areas of the city or county. Why? Because where there is a higher concentrations of poverty, there is always higher amounts of criminal activity. If the only place you permit those establishments is in the areas with the most criminal activity. You can then always turn around and say they attract a lot criminal activity just by simply having a presence in that specific pocket of the community. Even if the establishment was never vandalized, robbed or broken into. Even if the establishment has an impeccable record and is in good standing with the surrounding businesses. Even if it was actually shown to decrease crime in the immediate surrounding area. They would never talk about that nor research into it. They will only cite the high amounts of criminal activity in the only area they permitted them to be in. Which also just so happens to be the epicenter for criminal activity in their town or county.

That was just the first panelist. Im afraid it only got much more disappointing as the panel continued. The second Panelist to totally blow everyone’s minds in regards to over taxation was Rob MacCoun a Professor at Stanford Law School who’s fantasy would be to see a scheme where Californian cannabis consumers are taxed specifically to the THC to CBD ratios in the cannabis they purchase. He also suggested a higher tax on more potent strains of cannabis. Why? To prevent people from breeding and consuming more potent strains of cannabis? Yes! He thinks it is a very serious public safety issue and he doesn’t believe people have any will power. Nor will they be able control their own limitations of consumption. Which will in turn equate to an epidemic of cannabis pandemonium and everyone’s tiny infants and sweet children will actually be exposed to ample amounts of highly potent killer cannabis that will apparently be the first cannabis in recorded history to ever kill someone.

Or maybe we will see the first strain of cannabis to actually impair people to the point of not being able to operate a motor vehicle and millions of high drivers will hit the road and kill millions. Oh the Horror! Anyone that is to high to drive, doesn’t. That is the difference between alcohol and cannabis. I have never came across a cannabis consumer who just got so stoned he could barely move off the couch tell me, ” I’m so high right now, I think ill drive home.” It is always, “I am to high to drive right now. I need to chill for a bit.” Not to mention they are never impaired to the point of intoxication. Mainly because there is no toxic substances in the natural non toxic cannabis plant. Everyone likes to say, ” You just never know. The science and studies are still out on the subject.” Well, I’m pretty sure we know! We have a pretty long track record of coexisting and evolving with the cannabis plant. To the extent the Human Species has developed an intricate Endocannabinoid System to process, distribute, and utilize the many compounds that come from only one place in nature, the cannabis plant.

Nobody has ever died from the consumption of Cannabis! Nobody! More potent strains, means less overall consumption, while receiving the same health benefits or effects. Every doctor or physician that recommends cannabis will tell you that, the more potent the concentrate the patient consumes means they will find faster relief and have to consume far less carcinogens than through the traditional ways of smoking the medicinal cannabis. Which perfectly ties us into another guest panelist who is actually from and apart of the cannabis industry, David Lampach of Steep Hill Labs. Who did not refrain from using scare tactics to insist that all cannabis should be properly tested. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that the company he works for just so happens to be the largest private industry cannabis testing company in the United States and possibly the world? Maybe!

I mean this kind of harkens back to the previous point that, Nobody, I mean nobody has died from the consumption of cannabis. David Lampach tried to play a very a shady game of connect the dots. He cited a recent incident at the UC Davis school of Medicine where, ” Several Immune Compromised patients had died of fungal pneumonia after recently using medical cannabis.” He followed that up with, ” It was unknown if the medicinal cannabis use contributed to the cause of death, and due to current federal restrictions the doctor was unable to drill down further on the matter.” He then went on to push blame towards the dispensary and owners that ran the establishment from which they were purchasing their medicine.

Where he said, ” However one of the doctors was able to recall one of the locations of the dispensaries where the patients had been getting their medicinal cannabis, and as it turned out, sadly, they where not testing for mold.” So there you have it folks. First people to ever die from cannabis ever and its all that dispensary owners fault. Eureka says the owners and proprietors of Steep Hill Labs! So? Because these immune compromised patients, ( Already really sick people ) who decided to try a homeopathic natural alternative died of fungal pneumonia they are all dead from the moldy medicinal cannabis they bought from a dispensary that was not using Steep Hill labs to test their medicine? Wow! What a perfect storyline and product pitch for your company.

You could end up just like them if you don’t test everything. Dead! All because a Cannabis Testing Company and their rep found the perfect case scenario where, maybe, and we are talking about a really huge maybe, that some already very ill patients may have possibly died from using moldy medicinal cannabis. And don’t forget his statements earlier. ( ” due to current federal restrictions, (That is pretty Convenient for claims ) the doctor could not drill down further on the matter.” ) Are these the first recorded cases of deaths associated with cannabis in human history? I highly doubt that is the case. People have been consuming cannabis for thousands upon thousands of years and there is no recorded deaths associated with its consumption. That would even have to include the nastiest, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide laden cannabis that’s ever been sold on the legal and illegal markets.

Show me one single recorded, documented, and factual case of anyone even dying from just the poisoning of consuming badly grown, herbicide and pesticide laden cannabis. Please! I have looked and I can’t find one. I may be wrong. please prove me wrong. But, guess what? Even if you found one. I could just use the very same vague reply he uses to defend his argument. I can turn around and say, ” Well, sadly, federal restrictions deny factual testing and statistics on this subject matter, so,,,,, we will never truly know if the moldy cannabis did in fact kill those poor people.” Death and the fear of death equals sales, sales, sales! Even though there has never been a legitimate fear or reason to believe that any moldy cannabis has ever killed anyone ever. They make millions insuring that you believe it has, it can, and it will continue to kill people unless every single bud, and every single leaf of cannabis cultivated is tested for everything. Preferably done by them, at Steep Hill Labs of course.

Then like a breath of fresh air enters Ben Rice from Santa Cruz, Ca. Ben has been a Criminal defense lawyer for 30 years. He was one of the few sane voices on the panel that day. He pointed out the huge disparities between Fresno county and Santa Cruz in regards to cannabis regulations. When (WAMM) The Wo-Mans Alliance for Medical Marijuana was raided in 2002 the city and County of Santa Cruz actually came to the defense of the collective after being raided by the DEA. He represented the city and county of Santa Cruz along with the ACLU and some other fine lawyers in federal litigation concerning WAMM. The city and county both embraced and supported WAMM. I doubt we will see the fresno city or county board of supervisors educating themselves about Cannabis let alone supporting and embracing a collective here anytime soon.

He also spoke to the fact that California was actually the first state to prohibit cannabis. While later being the one of the first states to pioneer reforms in cannabis regulations and laws. But the absolute best moment was when Ben Rice kind of looks over at the Reedley Chief of police and pauses, ” Well, Santa Cruz being, well, Santa Cruz we had a Sheriff who had seen that our district attorneys office was not interested in losing in court anymore. And they stopped filing the cases or they were resolved for next to nothing.” Wait it gets even better. He then says ” Our Sheriff said, look my budget is limited.” pauses and looks directly into the face of the Chief of Police and says, ” and he decided to eliminate his marijuana eradication team and use those resources for more serious crimes in Santa Cruz.” Like a Boss!

The next panelist to hit the mic was Rick Crane. He is the Strategic Programs Coordinator for UFCW 8-Golden State. He discussed the importance of legitimizing cannabis workers. He also closed with saying, ” Proposition 215 is now settled law. If California moves forward with outright legislation next year, it will only underscore the urgency that we believe is needed to regulate an already big industry that could thus grow exponentially.” So let me decode that for you. He does not care about legalization one bit. Him and his handlers do not favor legalization. They want the unregulated medicinal cannabis industry fixed before addressing legalization. Sound familiar? Do you remember Americans For Safe Access claiming the same thing during the prop 19 campaign ? Well The UFCW 8- Golden state is (ASA) Americans for Safe Access. Same tent. They are only concerned about the collectives they own and operate and securing restrictive permitting that insures they maintain a healthy leg up on their competitors.

Hold on to your butts it only gets worse from here folks. The next Speaker on the Panel was Tulare county board of supervisor Steve Worthley who started out his reefer madness by stating, “In Tulare county we chronicled over 600 grow sites and contrary to many of the speakers I’ve heard this morning many of ours are really wrapped around organized crime.” Then he went on to say “With over 440,000 residents in Tulare county its safe to say the number one business is export and marijuana is no different.” He then insisted that, ” People are even growing in backyards.” Oh the horror! He then pulled the same card as the first speaker and claimed, ” People are offering poor families and migrant workers $5000 if they can grow on their property or backyards and they will receive another $5000 when they are done.” He pretty much bragged about how extreme Tulare county is in enforcing Tulare’s unconstitutional bans on valid, legal medical cannabis patients. So that just goes to show the two extremes. In Santa Cruz the entire county and city rise up in defense. In the Central valley the cities and counties invent new ways of scapegoating state law by using code enforcement.

Now the next speaker Joe Garzais the Chief of Police for the City of Reedley and he actually got booed and it was well deserved. If he is in fact a father of four children than he does a lot of lying to his children to defend his job, title and income. He started his uneducated and non factual rant with, ” Although this is a forum on taxation and regulation it needs to be known that, California Police Chiefs association DOES NOT support ANY legalization or decriminalization of MARIJUANA.” No kidding? Cant take away the California Police departments bread and butter. He has to know that even after the passing of prop-215 there are actually 14 times as many cannabis prisoners in California then in 1980. This does not include federal prisoners like Eddy Lepp, Dale Schafer and many more.

He goes on to say, ” Legalization of MARIJUANA is just bad public policy because the DRUG is addictive and significantly impairs bodily and mental functions.” Even though its cured cancer and he knows it’s never killed anyone. Cannabis is no more addictive than sugar or caffeine and it is a non toxic plant. If Cannabis impairment is such a serious issue? How come we are not seeing this epidemic of stoned drivers crashing and killing people on California highways and byways ? Mainly because Cannabis is a natural non toxic plant that does not intoxicate or impair motor skills. In fact for most people it increases motor skills, brain activity and even helps regenerate new brain cells.

Now prepare yourself for this one. It is a huge jumble of lies. ” Policies aimed at legalizing marijuana have resulted in unintended but predictable consequences. Including increased use amongst minors, additional drug trafficking by criminal syndicates, and an increase of crime.” Here is the stretchiest of stretches for you though. ” Despite claims to the contrary the social cost of legalizing marijuana will dwarf the meager taxes that it raises.” Seriously dude? He then added, ” Unfortunately at a certain point those high taxes will simply encourage an illicit market that can come in, under grow, and undercut the high-priced legalized market.” Your killing me smalls. Do you understand your job? At all?

Ok lets start with his absurd claim that increased usage amongst minors is an unintended consequence of legalization. WRONG! Lie #1. Teen alcohol and drug use — including marijuana use — was down across the board in 2014. Click here for the full story. Now to prove him wrong on his quack pot theory that despite contrary beliefs the social cost of legalizing Cannabis would cost more than it would actually generate nonsense. You have to really be living under a central valley rock to believe this. Colorado raked in 76 Million dollars in marijuana taxes and business fees last year alone last year. These allegations are largely based upon the premise that present taxes on alcohol and cigarettes fail to adequately pay for the social costs associated with these drugs’ use and abuse.

His premise is all but irrelevant to the cannabis legalization debate. Do you Know why? Cannabis is 1000 times safer than alcohol! According to US Centers for Disease Control, alcohol plays a role in about 41,000 fatal accidents a year and in the commission of about 1 million violent crimes annually. Worldwide, the statistics are even grimmer. Stated a February 2011 World Health Organization report, alcohol consumption causes a staggering 4 percent of all deaths worldwide, more than AIDS, tuberculosis or violence. Cannabis deaths ? Not a single recorded or documented case of death from consumption of cannabis has ever been recorded or catalogued. Not to mention 94 percent of social costs for cannabis are linked to law enforcement.

He is not done dropping the Reefer Madness bomb on you. He then says, ” However before we can really speak about the legalization of marijuana we have to look at where will it be sold? Will our neighborhoods become red light districts like in Amsterdam? Accompanied by the same crimes and social disorder? ” Yes folks he really said this nonsense and yes last I checked this was the modern age of technology and the 21st century. Just to finish off all the crazy BULLSHIT this man spewed off that day. He then followed that up with, ” Lets not forget the nuisance caused by the powerful odor of mature marijuana plants.” I actually find the smell of his bullshit wafting from his mouth to be a bigger nuisance than the lovely perfumes of the cannabis plant. Now hear is the part where everyone in the room bursts into laughter or boo’s him. ” In my 26 years of being a police officer, I’ve known it to be a gateway drug, and it is a gateway drug.” The room erupts into giggles and laughter and the host has to ask the guests to refrain from doing that again. So he again states, ” Again as a police officer this is a well-known fact.” Room erupts into laughter once again.

All I can say at this point is please just watch the video and decide for yourself. This Panel and discussion took place on the 3rd of July and I just finished this article today. There was one more panelist. She talked about the similarities of the Tobacco Industry. Just like Before Cannabis is not Tobacco. All this Reefer Madness makes head want to explode. Look for a detailed article about the Central valley Reform meeting that took place in Goshen just an hour after this panel and discussion took place. Not in Visalia, or Fresno like some had advertised.

P.S —-> Please listen to the Comment and question sections in the video. Some serious and good questions were asked from dedicated activists from the central valley.

The Fresno chapter of the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016 will be in attendance at this event and recommends that everyone please attend this important discussion on June 3rd. If given the opportunity the CCHI 2016 Fresno Chapter will present the Blue Ribbon Commission with information on the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016 and why we believe it should be considered as a serious solution for marijuana policy for 2016. It is a serious and viable solution to our current marijuana policies, and the best solution to a cleaner and more sustainable economy for California.

Though I wish this event was taking place here in Fresno or somewhere in the Central Valley. Don’t worry too much, there are some dedicated activists and people in Fresno and the surrounding cities working really hard to make an event just like this happen in Fresno and the central valley very soon. (So keep your eyes and ears open.) But the beautiful drive up to Berkeley is totally worth all the FREE music, educational speakers, and entertainment you will all enjoy at the, A DAY IN THE PARK event in Berkeley Ca, May 3, 2015 @ (Peace Park) Cesar Chavez Park Berkeley Marina – FROM – 12:00 pm – (Noon) TO – 8:00 pm. It also helps fund and support a truly great cause. This is a Political fundraiser for the Jack Herer Initiative, The California Cannabis and Hemp Initiative 2016. Entry to the Event is 100% free for every one of all ages. The only thing they ask is you please DONATE whatever you can spare, or can afford to give, to help them register the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative on the 2016 ballot in California. You can donate or volunteer for the CCHI right now by going to the website.—–> http://www.cchi2016.org.

They are still looking for vendors for the May 3, 2015 rally in Berkeley , Ca in support of Jack Herer’s California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016. We need all conscious Cannabis clubs , businesses , Media and etc to support this event by getting a booth and showing support for the CCHI2016 campaign. Please call Ronald L Wesley, CCHI 2016 Event Promoter at (510) 677-9425 to secure a booth, volunteer , sponsor , or for more info!

Smoking or partaking in medicinal cannabis will be permitted in the park for all valid medicinal patients. There will be no Vending or the exchange of funds in regards to medicinal Cannabis in any way. This was requested by the City of Berkeley and we should respect their wishes. Especially considering they are allowing us to host this amazing event in one of their many beautiful parks. Plan an unexpected road trip this weekend and come out and enjoy a FREE concert with some really good people working really hard to legalize Cannabis for the entire cannabis community and all of California. I Hope to see you all there !

The most recent polls taken in California this month in regards to cannabis legalization show the numbers are in the cannabis communities favor. Not that surprising if you ask me. The most surprising is the recent uptick in support. It jumped from 51% in support of legalization in 2014, to 55% in favor of legalization in 2015. That is a big jump for a single year. In another poll they also discovered if cannabis were legal, 53% of California voters would not mind if a cannabis retailer opened in their neighborhood, while 44% said they would be bothered.

( Excerpt ) – ( Fifty-three percent of Californians told pollsters this month that marijuana should be legal, a record level of support since the Public Policy Institute of California began asking the question in 2010. According to a poll released this week, 45 percent of adults said the drug should remain illegal. Among likely voters, 55 percent favored legalization and 43 percent do not. If cannabis were legal, 53 percent of adults told PPIC that they would not mind if a cannabis retailer opened up in their neighborhood, and 44 percent said they would be bothered. Considering the question across political lines, most Democrats (63 percent) and Independents (57 percent) favored legalization, while a majority of Republicans (54 percent) did not. When PPIC asked the question in fall 2014, 51 percent of adults were in favor. When the organization asked in 2013, 52 percent of adults were in favor.Unsurprisingly, young people are more likely than older adults to favor legalization. Sixty-one percent of 18-to-34-year-olds said yes, 47 percent of those 35 to 54 supported, and 52 percent for those ages 55 and older. )

This is great news, if we allow it to be. This means we are finally winning the hearts and minds of the average people of California. Though it is very important that the California cannabis community seize upon this large uptick in momentum and steer it to all the proper channels, initiatives and groups fighting for real, 100%, Re-Legalization of cannabis in 2016. Why is it so important? We simply cannot allow this momentum to be wrangled in, or divided by industry leaders, phony patient activist groups, and middle men suppliers protecting their own self interests and black market profits over the interests of 99% of our cannabis community. In which case if this is your first cannabis legalization rodeo, it happens every cycle.

Don’t be hoodwinked. The wealthiest and most successful within the California medical cannabis industry like to test the waters with what they call, reform discussions and legalization roundtables. These are not about real legalization efforts. These gatherings are more about checking up on the enemies progression, gathering intel, and creating division amongst already united fronts. When the wealthiest and largest tycoons in the medical cannabis industry really want to know just what their up against in regards to future legalization efforts. Who do they turn to? Take a wild guess. They turn to groups like, MPP, Cal-Norml, ASA, and DPA to poll and question the information out of their members for them. They also love to host events and invite everyday patients and consumers to these events. They really want your insight and concerns for writing future legalization initiatives don’t ya know. Why? I will tell you why. So they can author an initiative that gives US the very LEAST of what WE all want, and gives THEM the majority of what THEY all want. They really do an excellent job at painting a picture of pure concern and motivation towards legalization, while acting against our own interests. I’ve seen it first hand.

But wait, don’t go all negative Nancy on me just yet man! There is a way out of this perpetual spiral of doom. And it starts with YOU, ME, and the entire cannabis community as a whole coming together, and the other 55% of Californians who agree that Cannabis Hemp should be 100% Re-Legalized. It’s up to us to liberate ourselves from mental slavery and reclaim the natural. Jack herer’s California Cannabis Hemp initiative of 2016 is the primary key to achieving real legalization that encompasses everyone. It addresses almost every major concern that has constantly plagued our community and culture since its inception. It also does a great job insuring that the everyday needs of the consumers are equally as important as the industries needs. Before I go into the details of why I support the CCHI 2016 initiative, and why I believe you should also. Lets delve into a little background and history of the initiative itself. Because I feel it is very crucial to know and understand the past, in order to truly understand the vision of the future. I still come across people to this very day who say, Jack Herer?, oh yeah, he was one of the best growers ever, I love that strain. I Also feel it is very important for the new generations to know the legacy of jack Herer.

Captain Ed and jack Herer met each other in 1974. They were both working together on the California Marijuana initiative. They both worked tirelessly toward educating the masses about the benefits of cannabis hemp. Ed actually made Jack swear a pact that he would fight for legalization until he was either dead, it was legal, or he turned the ripe old age of 84. They both agreed to the terms, shook on it, and smoked a joint to seal the deal. They had made this pact because they both knew they had accumulated vast amounts of knowledge through their own personal research and studies of Cannabis Hemp that this single plant could in fact, save and change not just California, but the World. They knew its amazing benefits and potential. They also knew that most of this knowledge was not commonly known to the average citizen. Both Jack and Ed worked tirelessly around the clock 24 hours a day, seven days week to educate, and liberate Cannabis 100% for everyone.

The (CHI) was originally started by Captain Ed Adair and Jack Herer and was a 100% grass-roots, all volunteer initiative. They believed in the power of the ‪people to come together and overcome‬ there ‪oppressive government and there ‪draconian laws.

Unfortunately “Captain” Ed Adair lost his battle with Leukemia and died in 1991. Here is a dedication Jack wrote on his website in 1998 to his dear friend and mentor, Ed Adiar.

To Edwin “Captain Ed” M. Adair III

Born October 29, 1940;

Died August 16, 1991 of Leukemia

Father of Scarlet, Robyn, and Edwin Marsh IV

He was my teacher, partner, and friend; the most honorable man, and the bravest freedom fighter I’ve ever known.

He taught many of us how to save the Earth from ourselves and to laugh at and yet love its enemies.

In 1974-75, possession of under an ounce of hemp/pot was decriminalized in the state of California. Captain Ed (pictured above at right, with the author at the 1990 Minnesota Rainbow Gathering) was 33 years old and I was 34. We took a pledge. At that time, virtually every one in the California pot movement thought we’d already won. They’d begun to drift away from the movement and had gone back to their lives, thinking the battle was over and we’d won, and that the politicians would clean up the loose ends…

Captain Ed didn’t trust politicians to get the job done. And he was right.

Ed’s pledge that I took in 1974 and again in April 1980, 1986, and 1988, and finally in the hospital four days before he died in August 1991, was that we’d swear to work every day to legalize marijuana and get all pot prisoners out of jail, until we were dead, marijuana was legal, or we could quit when we turned 84. We wouldn’t have to quit, but we could.

When we first made that pledge we were 50 years away from becoming octogenarians (80-year-olds, that is). Incredibly, we thought that in the light of all the amazing information we had uncovered about hemp, that the battle for complete legalization of cannabis would easily be over in six months—two years at the most…

Captain Ed gave us and me hemp as one of mankind’s most honorable and most important saviors. I vow to continue the fight, and I ask my fellow Californians, all Americans, and the rest of the world to join us.

The legacy of Edwin “Captain Ed” M. Adair III shouldn’t be overlooked either. He played a very big role in educating, inspiring, and motivating Jack Herer, And did a lot himself for our cannabis community and culture. While losing his mentor and best friend surely had to be heartbreaking and traumatic. He pressed on and never gave up trying to qualify his and other legalization initiatives on the California ballot. He still went from state to state educating anyone who would listen. Sadly In July 2000, Jack Herer suffered a minor heart attack and a major stroke, resulting in difficulties speaking and moving the right side of his body. Jack Herer mostly recovered, and claimed in May 2004 that treatment with the Amanita muscaria, a psychoactive mushroom, was the “secret”. While that slowed him down for a awhile, he still kept at it. Sadly in September 12, 2009 Herer suffered another heart attack while backstage at the Hempstalk Festival in Portland, Oregon. He was discharged to another facility on October 13, 2009. Paul Stanford of The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation said “He is waking up and gazing appropriately when someone is talking… but he is not really communicating in any way.”He died aged 70 on April 15, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon, from complications related to the September 2009 heart attack. Jack Herer was buried at the Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.

First let me say, I never had the honor or pleasure of meeting Jack Herer. We where not close friends or even acquaintances sadly. I only knew the legacy of Jack Herer. Simply because he was very inspiring, articulate, and very well-educated on the topics. I looked up to him. I had one of his 420 Beverly Hills wallets and owned a signed copy of his book. That is the extent of our personal relationship, none! But I can remember exactly where I was, where I was sitting, and what I was doing when his death was announced. I was listening to radical Russ Belville on the Norml Live radio show just before I had to go to work. April 15, 2010, Just as the show was wrapping up, Russ broke into the end credits and music at the end of his show to announce with a very saddened tone and heart, that Jack Herer had passed away due to complications related to the September 2009 heart attack. I honestly cried right there at my computer desk. I did not know him personally, though I was deeply saddened by his passing and the loss of such a pivotal man for the cannabis movement. He died five days short of 420 no less. The biggest holiday and celebration for our cannabis community and culture. The timing, and everything seemed so wrong. The truth of the matter is, if you only took one lesson away from the life and legacy of jack Herer it would have to be his persistence and dedication to the cause, and people.

They both never gave up on us, or the Cannabis Hemp plant, never! And sadly neither one ever saw real legalization in California in their lifetimes even though they dedicated there lives to it. Jack and Ed are why I write these articles, They are why I have made the exact same pact with myself. The legacy that is, and was Jack Herer and Edwin “Captain” Adair must not have been in vain, or simply forgotten. These men pledged themselves to lives of servitude for the greater good of all men and women. This is exactly why there visions and dreams of liberating Cannabis Hemp 100% for all Californians and the World must be brought into the modern age. The good news is, it has, and its up to YOU and ME to make sure it really happens this time around in 2016.

Now, lets take a look at what I think are some of the most important and crucial aspects of the CCHI 2016 initiative, and why I think you should not only support it 100 percent, you should volunteer, donate and do everything you possibly can to see that it succeeds for the future benefit of all Californians.

( 1. ) It allows for personal / recreational use, possession and cultivation. ) In which case, let’s be honest, almost all initiatives will do the exact same thing. But only to a certain extent. just like we saw with Prop-19. They tried to limit personal cultivation to a 5×5 space for personal use. And Prop-19 only protected 1 ounce of personal cannabis. Just like Jack use to say, ” Without cultivation, it’s not legalization.” I would say, “Without adiquite cultivation, that directly meets the needs of personal, and medical consumption, it’s not legalization either.” For the purpose of distinguishing personal from commercial production, 99 flowering female plants and 12 pounds of dried, cured cannabis hemp flowers, but not leaf, produced per adult, 21 years of age and older, per year shall be considered as being for personal use. No tax, No license, no permit is required for Non-commercial cultivation, transportation, distribution, or personal consumption.

For some of you this may seem like way to much. Actually it’s quite the opposite. It’s what we need. It will force cannabis costs to drop drastically. It will create greater access for medicinal and recreational users throughout the entire state. Anyone that has grown their own plants knows, 99 plants does not always equate to the presumed 1-3 pounds per plant ratio that most like to boast about. Nor does it mean all 99 plants will even survive the season. There are many factors that can affect a crop and plants that are simply overlooked by the laymen or average consumer. Not to mention a single cultivator working 99 plants is a lot of work for one person. Those who have been at this long enough know that the best buds come from small well maintained gardens. Not large over scaled and under appreciated ones. But that doesn’t mean that 99 plants is unreasonable for each individual person either. Concentrates, butters, oils, salves, and topical’s all require a lot of material to process as well. And I would argue that being able to provide yourself with your own edibles, butters, salves, topical’s and concentrates also provides a substantial drop in costs to the everyday consumer and patient. Currently under Prop-215 and SB-420‬ Doctors are already allowed to give exemptions that can exceed the state requirements already. They can even go above 99 plants. But most just go all the way up to….you guessed it, 99 plants. Now trust me when I say, “There will not be another initiative that meets the demands of the cannabis consumers and patients needs in regards to cultivation like the California cannabis Hemp Initiative does. Period! If you think the industry leaders and dispensary owners are going to write an initiative that effectively puts them out of business. you’re going to be waiting a really long time.

(2.) It will Repeal, delete, and expunge any and all existing statutory laws that conflict with the provisions of this initiative. 1. Enactment of this initiative shall include: case review for the purpose of amnesty, immediate release from prison, jail, parole, and probation, and clearing, expunging, and deletion of all cannabis hemp marijuana criminal records for all persons currently charged with, or convicted of any non-violent cannabis hemp marijuana offenses included in this initiative which are hereby no longer illegal in the State of California. People who fall within this category that triggered an original sentence are included within this provision. Within 60 days of the passage of this Act, the Attorney General shall develop and distribute a one-page application, providing for the destruction of all cannabis hemp marijuana criminal records in California for any such offense covered by this Act. Such forms shall be distributed to district and city attorneys and made available at all police departments in the State to persons hereby affected )

I have heard a lot of nonsense about this one. stuff like, That is so absurd the state would never be able to practically do that in actual reality. The hell they can’t! In fact, not only do they need to, they have to, by law. In August, a three-judge federal court ruled that California must reduce its prison population by approximately 40,000 in two years. California’s prison population is consistently one of the largest in the country. The California Cannabis Hemp Initiative will certainly help in relieving the current prison over population problem in California. They are also Non-Violent drug offenders who deserve their freedom. This to me is a no brainer.

( 3. ) It will help define and determine an acceptable and uniform standard of impairment based on scientifically acceptable performance testing, to restrict persons impaired by cannabis hemp euphoric products from operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery, or otherwise engaging in conduct that may affect public safety. This is a very important issue considering the current test of impairment only tests for non active cannabis metabolites that may have remained dormant in your bodies fat cells for weeks, and in no way shape or form does it give an accurate level of impairment. Meaning you may have smoked three weeks prior and still test positive for non active cannabis metabolites resulting in a DUI. Forcing the state to address this issue through the initiative process is probably the only way these inadequate forms of testing will ever be changed.

( 4.) The term “commercial production” means the production of cannabis hemp products for sale or profit under the conditions of these provisions. Industrial cannabis hemp farmers, manufacturers, processors, distributors, medicinal collectives, and retailers shall not be subject to any special zoning requirement, licensing fee, or tax that is excessive, discriminatory, or prohibitive. This is a very important issue for me living Fresno, who has tried and used every trick under the sun to prohibit any all cultivation of medicinal cannabis indoors and out. This will prohibit cities and counties from imposing discriminatory, excessive, or prohibitive zoning requirements and fees on cannabis outlets. It also caps the excise tax for commercial sales at 10% of the retail price. It also caps the license fees for commercial production, distribution, and sales at $1000. you want to be a mom-n-pop cannabis shop? Or maybe you want to take your strain and cultivation skills to the commercial market, and up your production? $1000 dollars please, and you’re in the commercial cannabis industry.

( 5. ) It will effectively remove Cannabis from the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, which currently allows the Federal Government to Regulate Cannabis as a Schedule I drug. It will also prohibit California Law enforcement from assisting Federal Drug agents attempting to enforce federal laws that are no longer illegal by reason of this legislation. Also any person who threatens the enjoyment of these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor. The maximum penalties and fines of a misdemeanor may be imposed.

( 6. ) Allows farmers to grow industrial hemp and hemp seed, and allows industries and entrepreneurs to use the crop for the many uses and applications that hemp provides, both historically and modern. Restricts the use in California of genetically modified Cannabis seeds. This is probably one of the most important issues out of all them all. If we want to feed the fourth hungriest city in the nation, Fresno, it is as simple as planting the seed. We have an entire Central Valley of generation after generation of farmers. The Hemp plant requires far less water then corn and most vegetable crops, replenishes the Soil, Requires very little , to no pesticides, and would also help reduce the nations 2nd most polluted city in America, Second only to Bakersfield Ca. Hemp in the Central Valley of California makes perfect sense in more ways then one. It puts our farmers back to work, it also feeds the hungry with the most nutritional seed for human consumption on this planet. All while cleaning the heavily polluted soil and very air we breath.

Lets be honest with ourselves here folks. If you are looking for, or waiting around, and expecting the Industry leaders to create a more extensive, or better initiative then the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative of 2016. It is never going to happen. If you believe that Norml, ASA, DPP, and the MPP are hosting these round tables and conferences because they are going to craft an initiative that doesn’t favor the Industry leaders over the interests of the average consumer. Wrong again. I have even heard a few people suggest that ASA and Cal-Norml are on board with the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016. Wrong again. This is Lip service at best to shoe you away from the real conversation. Unless Dale Gieringer, and Don Duncan are donating funds and coordinating future signature gatherings for the CCHI 2016 campaign to officially register it for the 2016 ballot. it should only be considered lip service at best.

The California Cannabis Hemp Initiative was literally written by OUR people, for ALL people in the 70’s and has been carefully cared for, adjusted and modified for the modern age by Jack himself up until his death in 2010, and has only been modified after his death by a limited amount of trusted associates who worked very closely with jack himself. I have witnessed the evolution and growth of the California cannabis Hemp Initiative campaign and grass-roots efforts in both the 2012 and 2014 attempts to register it on the ballot. I can honestly say with confidence, I really feel positive that we are going to put the CCHI on the 2016 presidential ballot. Another interesting side note is that the really bad voter turnout in the last California gubernatorial election actually means we require less signatures to qualify.

The real bottom line here is that unless we all take it upon ourselves to walk the walk, and not just, talk the talk, and actually get involved in OUR own future. We will constantly be disappointed with the alternatives they present us with. Sadly, both Jack Herer and Captain Ed died before they were able to witness real legalization in California. So here is my proposition to you and every other seriously motivated person in the Cannabis community. This upcoming 4/20, 2015, in loving memory of Jack Herer and Captain Ed. Make a pact with a friend, or yourself to dedicate yourself to getting involved in the upcoming fight to liberate and Re-Legalize Cannabis Hemp in California in 2016. Don’t forget to seal it seal it with a Joint! And remember, there is not going to be any large financial backing for the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2016. Nor is it required like most would have you believe either. What is needed and required is large amounts of dedication, motivation, and coordination from the Cannabis Community.

By Dustin F. Lowery

Please go to the website – http://www.cchi2016.org – Just Click the donate button and give whatever you can spare to the CCHI 2016 today.

If you are in the Fresno area or Central valley and want to get involved in the upcoming signature gathering process, or are just have questions please contact me @dustruction, or through the this E-Mail at- cchi2016Fresno@gmail.com